2025 Men's Retreat Recap

Last week, men from Bay Hills teamed up with Valley Church for a powerful weekend at the 2025 Men’s Retreat. Over three days, they experienced deep spiritual growth, meaningful conversations, and joyful fellowship.

Some unforgettable moments included one man being baptized and another accepting Christ for the first time. The group shared meals, laughter, and games, enjoyed a scenic hike at Burney Falls, and gathered around firepits for prayer and brotherhood. It was a time to slow down, connect with God, and connect with each other.

We asked some of the men to reflect on their experience. Here’s what they shared:

Manny Martinez

1. Before attending this retreat, was there anything that made you hesitant to go—whether a personal obstacle, doubt, or concern? How did God meet you in that?

Actually no, I was excited to go to camp. I have always loved camps because I know God can use these experiences to do great things in our lives. I became a believer at a camp when I was a teenager and ever since I’ve been a big believer in going to camps like the men’s retreat.

2. During the retreat, what did God reveal to you—about Himself, about who you are, or about your journey with Him? How has that experience shaped your next steps?

The theme of the retreat was God’s grace. I learned that the Christian walk is about accepting my identity in Christ as no longer a sinner but a saint. In Ephesians the apostle Paul refers to us as citizens and saints. I learned that I need to quit trying to please God but instead trust Him and step into my new identity. 


3. If you could speak directly to a man who’s never been on a retreat like this, what would you say to encourage him to take that step?
I would tell anyone who has never gone to a camp to take the risk. Step out in faith and trust that God can and will use this time to step away from our day to day world, slow down, enjoy His creation and hear His voice. I think God mostly speaks to us when we are still and quiet.

Stephen Miguel Reyes

1. Before attending this retreat, was there anything that made you hesitant to go—whether a personal obstacle, doubt, or concern? How did God meet you in that?

No I was always looking forward to go since I heard about it, however for financial reasons at the time there was a possibility I could not make it. Thanks to Sterling and Bay Hills you guys covered the cost for me and by the glory of God He met me there, and I was able to go.

2. During the retreat, what did God reveal to you—about Himself, about who you are, or about your journey with Him? How has that experience shaped your next steps?

He revealed to me that “It is finished” the work is done and I can rest in Him. The sin my body is conditioned to does not define me, He does. And He is constantly refining me.

 I used to have a "doing 'for' God" type of attitude and as a result of this I would find myself dancing to my own beat in a way. When I started doing things “with” God I was perfectly in sync with Him, and I was able to allow His grace to cover me during my refining process. This gave me clarity and comfort in areas I struggled with often when I fell short.

As for the steps Im being called to walk into next would be to continue to serve others and bring people to Christ. My walk I believe has nothing to do with me and everything to do with others. I truly believe that. This experience shaped me in the way I found comfort in allowing myself to receive his grace and rest in it so I can continue to serve him confidently.



3. If you could speak directly to a man who’s never been on a retreat like this, what would you say to encourage him to take that step?
I would say time to re-align oneself with God is important. Even better when you have fellowship where men can be vulnerable and talk about things we often don’t talk about.

Sterling Bell

1. Before attending this retreat, was there anything that made you hesitant to go—whether a personal obstacle, doubt, or concern? How did God meet you in that?
I can say there was no hesitation or reluctance on attending this year’s men’s retreat. I was so encouraged by last year’s retreat that I wanted to bring as many men in my circle of influence to the retreat to enjoy Gods beautiful creation and break away from the busyness of daily life.

2. During the retreat, what did God reveal to you—about Himself, about who you are, or about your journey with Him? How has that experience shaped your next steps?
 Two things that God revealed to me durning the retreat is that one, Jesus completed the work on the cross and that all I have to do is truly rest in the Lord. The work has been done. No need to strive to do things for God but rest and be the branch that bears the fruit as the Lord is the vine doing all the work through us. Secondly, what God reveled to me is that I need to sit back and enjoy all what God has created for us to experience. We talk about work/life balance but that’s like walking a tight rope trying not to fall off. On the other hand God wants us to enjoy our relationship with him like we are dancing on a dance floor and letting the Lord set the rhythm to our lives. Having that child like faith/joy and dancing with our Father without any concern of what others may think how silly we may look. That’s real joy. How has it shape my next steps that God is calling me to take? I can rest knowing I’m a child of God and I need to enjoy every step/dance with him. To fully walk into my destiny/purpose of being a fisher of men.

3. If you could speak directly to a man who’s never been on a retreat like this, what would you say to encourage him to take that step?
Are you hungry, thirsty, a little exhausted? Looking for something refreshing for your soul? Are you seeking a real brotherly connection with other brothers in Christ? This annual retreat is something I would encourage all men of all stages of life to attend. It’s not just about camping in the mountains for a weekend. It’s about men sharpening other men. It’s about men being able to be vulnerable and transparent and supporting each other in a way that is opposite of what our culture says. It’s how God designed his church as a family.